The Beatles' first recording contract is expected to fetch at least $80,000 (£50,000) when it is put up for grabs at auction.The seven-page document contains the signatures of the band's original line-up, including John W. Lennon, James Paul MCCartney, George Harrison and the group's former drummer Peter Best, who was later replaced by Ringo Starr. It is believed the group had no idea what the detail detailed when they inked it in Hamburg, Germany in June 1961 because it was written in German - but they were so eager to have a deal, they signed it anyway. The long-lost papers have been in possession of the daughter of a German record producer until earlier this month (Apr11), when they turned up in Switzerland. Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn says, "It's a unique document. The recordings we've had for 50 years, but the contract that allowed those recordings to be made has never been seen, and it's the only Beatles recording contract that's ever come up for auction. "They only found out six or seven months later what it was they had signed." The contract will go under the hammer at an auction held by the Fame Bureau in London this week (begs11Apr11).

Despite claims this being a unique item the contract in question already exists in 2 known copies (3 including this). The contract is published in full in my book Beatles Bop - Hamburg Days (Bear Family Records BCD 16447 BK). The only new thing with this version of the contract, compared with earlier known copies is that it is dated. Originally at least 5 copies are believed to have been drawn up. / Dr Hans Gottfridsson (author of Beatles Bop  Hamburg Days & The Beatles  From Cavern to Star-Club)